Shipping Cosmetics Internationally: Complete Guide to Safe and Compliant Delivery
Can you ship makeup internationally? The global market for skincare and beauty products is worth billions of dollars. It is so lucrative that many SMEs and individual sellers want to break into it. As exciting as international shipping for cosmetics may seem, it is not all smooth.
Without the right information, the shipping process can be puzzling for first-timers. Unique rules and regulations await them in each shipping destination. However, this should not deter you from selling your beauty products internationally. Our comprehensive guide on shipping cosmetics internationally will answer your questions and encourage you to start.
Can You Ship Makeup Internationally? - 6 Key Steps to Follow
Entrepreneurs from different countries often ask this question – Can you ship makeup internationally? If the same question crosses your mind, the answer is yes. It is possible to ship your beauty products abroad if you know the steps. Below are six steps you should follow when shipping cosmetics to any global destination:
Step One: Study the Rules of Shipping Beauty Products in Your Country of Interest
Can you ship skincare internationally? If so, what are the rules? Different countries have specific rules and regulations. Thus, the first step is to study the guidelines for shipping cosmetics to your countries of interest. If you understand the rules, you will comply to avoid fines and shipment delays.
These rules and regulations often restrict the ingredients in imported cosmetics. For instance, if you want to export your products to the United States, you should first understand how the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) classifies cosmetics. It classifies some cosmetics as drugs, including lotions and lip balms with a sun protection feature.
In addition, your products must not contain prohibited ingredients or unapproved color additives. In the UK, you must understand what a designated Responsible Person means before entering the cosmetic market. You must submit a PIF (Product Information File) as proof that your product is safe and it meets all relevant shipping rules.
Malaysia has a detailed shipping regulatory framework, including the registration of cosmetic products with the DPS(Director of Pharmaceutical Services). Each exported product requires a PIF showing its composition and ingredients.
China’s first importation rule is to register your cosmetics with the NMPA (National Medical Products Administration). Your beauty product should not contain any ingredient that the NMPA restricts. You must submit analysis and safety test certificates to prove that your product is safe.
Besides ingredients, many countries have specific labeling rules. They require the labels to display the product’s composition (ingredients), expiration dates, and tips for safe usage. A country like Hong Kong does not have specific laws that control the entry of foreign cosmetic products and their packaging methods.
However, Hong Kong has unique labeling rules requiring you to label your products in languages that local consumers can understand. Bilingual labeling is a requirement in many countries because some consumers do not comprehend English.
So, can you ship makeup internationally if you learn the country-specific laws and regulations? Researching the destination’s importation rules should be your prime focus.
Step Two: Ensure Proper Classification of Cosmetics
Can you ship makeup internationally without the correct classification? You should classify your beauty products correctly to save time at the customs department. Ensure you assign the right HS (Harmonized System) code for makeup and beauty products.
With HS codes, custom officials can classify your product correctly. In some countries, incorrect classification can attract fines. Besides, it is the leading cause of shipment delays. HS codes are crucial, but not the only way to classify your cosmetics before shipping.
You need to provide shipping documents: the certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, and special permits. When researching the shipping requirements for your destination, you will discover the specific shipping documents the customs needs.
Step Three: Package Your Cosmetics Wisely
How can you ship makeup internationally without the correct packaging method? If you use low-quality packaging, your cosmetics can spoil before arriving at intended destinations. The challenges of shipping cosmetics are fragility and temperature conditions. If the temperature is too high, some products can melt. If it is too low, some items could freeze.
How you pack temperature-sensitive cosmetics will determine whether they will be safe for consumption afterwards. Remember that some packaging materials are fragile and require safe storage compartment. For instance, glass jars can break easily, spilling the contents before the shipment reaches the destination port.
Another crucial factor to consider is the shelf life of different cosmetics. If you have serums and creams with a shorter shelf life, opt for the safest packaging materials and storage conditions to avoid early spoilage.
Additionally, follow your shipping regulations and rules to the letter to ensure nothing delays your shipment. Never choose containers without tight seals when packaging liquid cosmetics.
How to ship cosmetics overseas safely also entails cushioning fragile products with protective materials such as foam and bubble wrap.
If your cosmetics can melt or freeze, package them with an insulated material. Above all, ensure any packaging material you choose aligns with your shipping company’s requirements.
Step Four: Select the Most Reputable Shipping Carrier
Can you ship makeup internationally safely? Opt for the best carrier if you want your products to arrive at the destination port safely and in good condition. Many international carriers exist, but the most popular are DHL, USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Before you choose one of these or any other carrier, visit their website and read about their shipping service.
If a carrier offers a dedicated service for shipping cosmetics abroad, they will be your best pick. An experienced carrier who has gained adequate customer trust can ship your beauty products with extreme care. They will also give you different shipping plans, including standard, economy, and expedited.
You can select the one within your budget or the most ideal for an urgent shipment. Note that carriers have restrictions on packaging materials and products. Hence, choose a carrier service that can accept your cosmetics and packaging materials.
Step Five: Provide Correct Shipment Tracking Information
Can you ship makeup internationally and update your customers about the shipment in transit? To gain your customers’ trust, ensure they know about their shipments. Help them track their cargo and ask any questions they might have. But how can you enable cargo tracking?
If you ship your makeup with a globally trusted carrier, they will give you a reliable tracking service. Your customers will then use this service to monitor their cargoes instantly. Another way to enhance communication between you and your client is to streamline your customer support service.
Employ punctual and thorough customer representatives to ensure your customers get valuable responses on time. If you offer reliable cargo tracking and customer support services, you will give your customers the best shopping experiences. They will trust you and come back to you again.
Step Six: Check Changes in Shipping Regulations and Comply
Can you ship lotion internationally without facing trouble with the authorities? First, do steps one to six correctly. Confirm you have relevant documentation to avoid issues with customer officials. Once you ship successfully the first time, do not assume the international shipping rules will stay the same.
The officials at your preferred shipping destinations can alter the regulations. Check for modifications often to be aware of new compliances. Comply with the new changes to avoid future problems when shipping your cosmetics abroad.
Challenges You Can Face When Shipping Cosmetics
Can you ship makeup internationally, and are there challenges to expect? Shipping beauty products to other countries has a few challenges. First, some items’ expiration dates can occur earlier than expected if shipping conditions are not conducive. Their shelf life can escalate quickly if the carrier delays your cargo or if you choose improper storage conditions.
Another difficulty you can face is temperature control. Some items can melt or freeze as temperatures change. To get these products to their destination in good condition, you need to choose the right packaging material and a storage location that is not too hot or too cold. Fragile items stored in glass jars, such as serums and powders, can spill if you choose the wrong storage.
International regulations governing cosmetics are unique and can change without notice. While some of your ingredients may be acceptable in the U.S, for instance, they may be unacceptable in the UK, Australia, Canada, or another country. Note that labeling laws are different in each country, and you must take the time to study and understand them.
Tips for Packing Your Makeup and Beauty Products
Can you ship makeup internationally, and what are the best practices for packaging? How you pack your cosmetics for international shipping can determine their condition when they reach the customer.
If you choose the wrong packaging materials, the items can break, spill, or spoil. That can ruin your reputation as an international cosmetics supplier. To avoid such problems, follow these tips when packing your goods:
- Wrap fragile goods stored in serum bottles and glass jars separately. Add cushioning with foam or bubble wrap to prevent breakage.
- Put your sprays and perfumes in leak-proof containers to avoid spillage.
- Use insulated packaging material or cold packs to pack items like creams to ensure they stay the same when temperatures increase or decrease.
- Place wrapped cargo in an outer packaging. For outer packaging, use a strong corrugated cardboard box. Leave spaces on all four sides and fill them with a filler material or packing peanuts to keep the cargo intact. You can also
- Seal the outer box securely with adequate tape to keep it closed throughout the journey. Use directional arrows to facilitate the handler’s work.
- Label your makeup package correctly using the right codes and incorporate necessary alerts.
Verdict
Can you ship makeup internationally? You can ship cosmetics to various destinations, provided you understand international shipping standards, shipping carrier requirements, and country-specific regulations. Package your makeup correctly to clear easily with customs officials. Follow the aforementioned instructions when packaging and shipping the products to ensure they reach their destination safely.